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Protocol problem

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI Dec. 12 . Organisers of the country's annual mega science event, the Indian Science Congress, are faced with a dilemma: should they invite the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, for the coming session?

On the face of it, the answer would appear to be a simple `yes'. After all, he is the first scientist to adorn the highest Constitutional office and it would be in the fitness of things that he is invited. But there is a hitch: protocol.

Traditionally, it is the Prime Minister who inaugurates the conference. If the Prime Minister were to open it this time too, what role would the President play? How would one accommodate the two dignitaries without breaching protocol?

The ISRO chairman, K.Kasturirangan, who is also the president for this year's congress, said they were working on various options and the issue would be sorted out soon.

The congress is being held at Bangalore. It opens on January 3 and will be on till January 7.

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